System and method for audible spatial description for people with sensory disabilities and the aging population

ABSTRACT

An accessible and usable mobile device application is provided herein that integrates with a technology network designed to increase an ability to orient, locate and travel within indoor and outdoor physical environments independently, safely, and securely for people with sensory disabilities and the aging population who have visual, hearing, mobility, and/or cognitive disabilities.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS SECTION

This application is a U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application thatclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. 63/231,814filed on Aug. 11, 2021, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The field of the invention and its embodiments relate to a system andmethod for audible spatial description for people with sensorydisabilities and the aging population having visual, hearing, mobility,and/or cognitive disabilities. More specifically, the field of theinvention and its embodiments relate to a system comprising an interfacethat provides autonomous vehicle (AV) accessibility for people withdisabilities and may be used in other endeavors, such as indoornavigation, transit navigation, and intersection navigation.

BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS

People with visual, hearing, mobility, and cognitive disabilities oftenhave trouble traveling from one location to another. Typically, peoplewith sensory disabilities are reliant on assistive technology. Lowvision users may use screen magnification capabilities in conjunctionwith screen reader capabilities. Blind users may use both screen readersoftware and active braille display hardware. Further, deaf and blindusers may use screen reader software and/or active braille displays.Specifically, active braille displays are external hardware devices thatconnect to desktops, laptops, and mobile devices through Bluetooth andcan be used by users to receive text-based information or updates, suchas a banner notification on a mobile device in braille.

Individuals of the aging population often manage multiple disabilitiesthat include low vision, hearing impairment, cognitive impairments, andmobility impairments. Aging population users may require magnificationor screen reader functionality, may need an incredibly simple andeasy-to-use interface because of cognitive impairment, or may need tominimize distance they physically travel because of a mobilityimpairment. All of these situations create a user with unique needs thatrequire a unique accessible solution to create equitable outcomes forusing autonomous vehicles (AVs). For each of these users, equitableaccess to AVs facilitates better health care management, opens doors tonew employment opportunities previously unavailable due to travellimitations, improves safety and security while traveling, and reducesreliance on others. Thus, what is needed is an enhanced system thatprovides AV access to these people with disabilities.

Examples of Related Art Include

CN110091796A relates to a system that provides alerts to guidevisually-impaired passengers to a vehicle. The system includes: apassenger identification module that is configured to identify apassenger based upon sensor data received at an autonomous vehicle and apassenger proximity module that is configured to determine a distancebetween the passenger and the autonomous vehicle. The system alsoincludes an alert module that is configured to generate an alert havingan alert characteristic corresponding to the distance. Equipment used inthis system includes: radar equipment, light detection and ranging(LIDAR) equipment, optical cameras, thermal sensation video cameras,ultrasonic sensors, pressure sensors, ultra-wide band (UWB) sensors,and/or global positioning system (GPS) receivers.

CN112394733A describes a UWB and ultrasonic-based autonomous followingobstacle avoidance method for an intelligent vehicle, which overcomesthe problems of insufficient following precision and incapability ofavoiding obstacles.

WO2020177225A1 describes a vehicle and road coordinated high-precisionvehicle positioning method based on UWB. By using advantages, includinghigh multi-path distinguishing capacity and good anti-interferenceperformance in a dynamic environment of UWB positioning technology, bymeans of rational layout of UWB nodes, and in combination with a NotLine of Sight (NLOS) error processing algorithm, a positioning error isreduced, so that the vehicle is positioned accurately and reliably inreal-time in a typical urban environment.

GB2578500A and WO2018094151A1 describe a system and method for UWBsignal usage with autonomous vehicles in buildings. A productdistribution system in a building includes an unmanned vehicle and acontrol circuit in the unmanned vehicle. The unmanned vehicle operatesindependently within the building. The unmanned vehicle is configured totransmit and receive first UWB signals. The control circuit isconfigured to determine the position of the unmanned vehicle based uponan analysis of at least some of the first UWB signals, and to navigatethe unmanned vehicle according to the position. The unmanned vehicle isconfigured to transmit second UWB signals to a device operating withinthe building, and responsively receive third UWB signals from thedevice. Based upon the analyzing of the third UWB signals, the controlcircuit determines a position of the device to avoid a collision betweenthe unmanned vehicle and the device.

WO2018090181A1 describes an UWB ranging method applicable in a movableobject. The method includes: broadcasting an UWB ranging request signaland receiving an UWB ranging response signal broadcasted by a movabletarget. The UWB ranging response signal includes: a first timedifference between the transmission of the UWB ranging response signalby the mobile target and the reception of the UWB ranging requestsignal. The method also includes: determining a second time differencebetween the reception of the UWB ranging response signal and thebroadcasting of the UWB ranging request signal and determining thedistance from the moveable object to the movable target on the basis ofthe first time difference and of the second time difference. Thisreference also describes an UWB ranging-based obstacle avoidance method,an UWB ranging device applicable in a mobile object, an UWBranging-based obstacle avoidance device, and an unmanned aerial vehiclesystem.

US20180059231A1 describes a constellation of UWB nodes, each with a UWBtransceiver operating both as a monostatic/bi-static radar. The UWBconstellation identifies and locates objects within a geographic areausing multipath signal analysis forming an occupancy grid. The resultingoccupancy grid can identify parked cars, pedestrians, obstructions, andthe like to facilitate autonomous vehicle operations, safety protocols,traffic management, emergency vehicle prioritization, collisionsavoidance and the like.

WO2020200910A1 describes a system and method for determining aparticular vehicle state based on a UWB signal received at a pluralityof receiving nodes. A plurality of channel-impulse responses (CIRs) maybe computed from the UWB signal received from the plurality of receivingnodes. A plurality of peak-based features based on a selected positionand amplitude may be extracted from the plurality of CIRs. A pluralityof correlation-based features may be generated by correlating theplurality of CIRs to a corpus of reference CIRs relating to a pluralityof vehicle states. A plurality of maximum likelihood vehicle matricesmay be generated by correlating the plurality of CIRs to the corpus ofreference CIRs relating to the plurality of vehicle states. The vehiclestate may then be determined by processing the plurality of peak-basedfeatures and correlation-based features using the machine learningclassification algorithm.

Some similar systems exist in the art. However, their means of operationare substantially different from the present disclosure, as the otherinventions fail to solve all the problems taught by the presentdisclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention and its embodiments relate to a system and methodfor audible spatial description for people with sensory disabilities andthe aging population having visual, hearing, mobility, and/or cognitivedisabilities. More specifically, the present invention and itsembodiments relate to a system comprising an interface that provides AVaccessibility for people with disabilities.

A first embodiment describes a method executed by an application of acomputing device to increase an ability of a person with a visual, ahearing, a mobility and/or a cognitive disability to orient, locate, andtravel within an environment. The method includes numerous processsteps, such as: receiving user selection of a destination. The methodalso includes configuring the AV with preferences for the specific user,where the preferences include: environmental controls of the AV, radiopresets in the AV, a volume of the radio in the AV, an opened or closedstatus of one or more windows of the AV, an opened or closed status of asunroof of the AV, and/or an adjustment of one or more seats in the AV,among others not explicitly listed herein.

The method also includes: receiving, from the AV comprising an anchor,GPS coordinates, three words or a three word string associated with alocation of the AV and translating the three words or the three wordstring associated with the location into walking directions for the userto arrive at the location of the AV. The user is associated with a tag.In some examples, the anchor is mounted in a waterproof housing on awindow of the AV or is incorporated into a technology housing of the AV.In examples, the anchor comprises an Ultra-wideband (UWB) anchor and thetag comprises a UWB tag. In other examples, the anchor comprises the UWBanchor and the tag comprises Bluetooth on the computing device.

As described herein, the UWB anchor and the UWB tag are interchangeable.Moreover, the UWB anchor/tag that the user carries could be an externalUWB anchor/tag or could be the built-in UWB functionality of asmartphone or of a similar computing device.

In response to determining that the user is proximate the AV bycommunication between the tag and the anchor, the method includes:receiving a notification regarding a distance and direction between theuser and the AV, determining whether the user wishes to unlock one ormore doors of the AV, and executing a command to unlock the one or moredoors of the AV. In response to receiving a ready command from the user,the method includes transmitting a message to the AV to begin transportif the user is fastened via seat belt and if the doors are closed.

The method further includes providing route alerts to the user duringtransportation from the location to the destination. The route alertscomprise directional, distance, and/or location information, among otherinformation not explicitly listed herein. In some examples, the routealerts are temporary alerts, are text-based alerts and/or include hapticfeedback, among other examples not explicitly listed herein.

During route, the application allows the user to change the destinationof the AV to another destination. In some examples, if the methoddetermines that the AV was in an accident prior to reaching thedestination, the application notifies the user of the emergency,provides the user with an estimated address of the AV, and provides theuser with a means to call emergency personnel to respond to theemergency. The method then includes arriving at the destination.

A second embodiment of the present invention describes a systemconfigured to increase an ability of a person with a visual, a hearing,a mobility and/or a cognitive disability to orient, locate, and travelwithin an environment. The system includes, at least: a computing devicecomprising an application, an autonomous vehicle (AV), a vehicle controlAPI, and a translation module configured to communicate with the AVthrough the vehicle control API.

The application allows the AV to be configured with preferences of theuser. The preferences include: environmental controls of the AV, radiopresents in the AV, a volume of the radio in the AV, an open or closedstatus of one or more windows of the AV, an open or closed status of asunroof of the AV, and/or an adjustment of one or more seats in the AV,among other preferences not explicitly listed herein.

In some examples, the translation module resides in a cloud. In otherexamples, the translation module resides onboard the AV through amicrocontroller-based module. Further, the translation module allows forthe loading of custom firmware that contains a translation for aspecific vehicle type of the AV.

Though this second embodiment describes navigating an environment, itshould be appreciated that navigation of an indoor environment, anintersection, or a transit platform may or may not involve the AV.

Though numerous examples describe use of the system with AVs, it shouldbe appreciated that this system described herein may be used withrideshare services, personal vehicles, subways (e.g., to navigate to theplatform, as well as the station), buses, trains, indoor navigation,outdoor navigation, intersections, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a system, according to at least someembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of application commands/process steps tosummon the AV, according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of application commands/process stepsexecuted after arrival of the AV, according to at least some embodimentsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of application commands/processes usingUWB technology, according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic diagram depicting distance accuracy using UWBtechnology, according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic diagram depicting use of a three word stringfor a location, according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram of a method executed using the system ofFIG. 1 , according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 depicts a schematic diagram of a user and a UWB anchor or tagwith Bluetooth capability, according to at least some embodimentsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic diagram of an illustrative outdoor navigationuse example of the present invention at a bus station, according to atleast some embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 10 depicts a schematic diagram of an illustrative indoor useexample of the present invention at a museum, according to at least someembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a computing device included within thesystem of FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 depicts a schematic diagram of an illustrative outdoornavigation use example of the present invention at a trafficintersection, according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the variousfigures are identified with the same reference numerals. Reference willnow be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Suchembodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention,which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinaryskill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specificationand viewing the present drawings that various modifications andvariations can be made thereto.

An accessible and usable application executed on a computing device isprovided herein that integrates with a technology network designed toincrease an ability to orient, locate, and travel within indoor andoutdoor physical environments independently, safely, and securely forpeople with disabilities (PWD) and the aging population, who havevisual, hearing, mobility, and/or cognitive disabilities. Unlessspecifically specified herein, “PWD” refers to individuals havingsensory disabilities (e.g., low vision problems, individuals who areblind, and/or individuals who are deaf and blind) and individuals of theaging population who have visual, hearing, mobility, and/or cognitivedisabilities. The system described herein allows users to travel throughvarious transportation bus systems, municipal buildings, and educationalinstitutions independently, safely, and more securely.

The present system described herein may communicate and interface withautonomous vehicles (AV). As described herein, an “AV” is a vehicle thatis capable of sensing and navigating its environment with little or nouser input. Vehicle automation has been categorized into numericallevels ranging from Level Zero, corresponding to no automation with fullhuman control, to Level Five, corresponding to full automation with nohuman control. Various automated driver-assistance systems, such ascruise control, adaptive cruise control, and parking assistance systemscorrespond to lower automation levels, while true “driverless” vehiclescorrespond to higher automation levels. In fact, the present systemdescribed herein solves the problems of locating AVs, interacting withAVs in routine and emergency situations, and improving safety andsecurity of all PWD using AVs. Though numerous examples describe use ofthe system with AVs, it should be appreciated that this system describedherein may be used with rideshare services, personal vehicles, subways(e.g., to navigate to the platform, as well as the station), buses,trains, indoor navigation, outdoor navigation, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the system of the present invention includesnumerous components, such as an application 108 executed on a computingdevice 106 that comprises agnostic interface capabilities, compatiblewith all AVs 114, regardless of use-case, company or manufacturer, UWBtechnology for AV location capabilities, guidance, and safety of users,and mapping technology for delivering destination location informationmore accurately than postal addresses or business names alone. It shouldbe appreciated that the computing device 106 described herein may be acomputer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, and/or a tablet, among otherexamples not explicitly listed herein. Moreover, the application 108described herein may be an engine, a software program, a service, or asoftware platform executable on the computing device 106.

In some examples, the mapping technology is powered by What3Words.However, the mapping technology is not limited to such. The componentsof the system function together fluidly through an AV interface.Properly designed AVs for these users 102 will increase access toemployment, medical care, and all needs and wants of the community.

Different brands and models of AVs 114 have different interfaces to seta destination, find a current location, set environmental controls, orany other vehicle control the user 102 may have access to. This can be abig challenge for those with visual impairments. The present inventionproposed that the AVs 114 should have a secure API (e.g., a vehiclecontrol API 112) for application developers to interface with thevehicle's system to enable people with a myriad of disabilities tointeract with the AV 114 in a consistent way utilizing the technologythey know best. It should be appreciated that the application 108 andthe supporting system of this invention allows users 102 to interactwith and control all aspects of the AV 114 using a consistent andidentical application across any brand of the AV that also providessecure access into the control system of the AV 114.

Additionally, safety and convenience are paramount when engaging withthe AV 114. The application 108 allows the AV 114 to be configured tothe user's preferences from the moment it is summoned, which includesensuring the doors are locked before the AV 114 arrives for pickup tomake sure nobody other than the user 102 enters the AV 114 and settingthe environmental controls, so the AV 114 is comfortable for the givenuser 102. Examples of environmental controls include adjusting airsystems of the AV 114 and adjusting a radio system of the AV 114. As theuser 102 approaches the AV 114 with the application 108, the doors ofthe AV 114 can be automatically unlocked for ease of entering the AV114. The application 108 also allows other functionality, such assetting a destination for the AV 114, changing a destination for the AV114 while in route, sending vehicle location and status tofriends/family, calling emergency services for the AV 114, or any otherfunctionality provided by the vehicle's secure API (e.g., the vehiclecontrol API 112).

Further, as shown in FIG. 1 , the application 108 communicates to the AV114 through a “translation module” 104. The translation module 104 canreside in the cloud and can communicate to the AV control system throughthe vehicle's secure API (e.g., the vehicle control API 112) over anetwork if supported, or for the AV 114 where access is only for onboardsystems, the translation module 104 can reside onboard the AV 114through a small, low power, microcontroller-based module. Thetranslation module 104, whether cloud-based or hardware-based, is ableto load custom firmware that contains the proper translation for thespecific vehicle type. The firmware may be updated via cellular, WIFI,or Bluetooth communication, among other types of communication notexplicitly listed herein.

The application 108 is also fully configurable and adaptable to anyability that a specific AV 114 provides. Any new features may be enabledby updating the translation module 104 software over the communication(e.g., cellular, WIFI, or Bluetooth connection), ensuring that theapplication 108 always supports the latest feature set for the AV 114.

FIG. 2 includes numerous process steps used by the application 108 tosummon the AV 114. The application 108 may access or engage a database118 to execute one or more of the process steps of FIG. 2 . The methodof FIG. 2 begins at a process step 168 to summon the AV 114.

The process step 168 is followed by a process step 170, where theapplication 108 gets the AV configurations/API specifications. Next, aprocess step 172 follows the process step 170 and starts the request forthe AV 114. A process step 174 or a process step 176 follows the processstep 172. The process step 174 includes the application 108 using GPScoordinates of the computing device 106 to pick up the user 102. Theprocess step 176 includes the application 108 receiving a three wordpickup location or a three word string for the user 102, which will bediscussed herein.

A process step 180 then follows the process step 174 or the process step176. The process step 180 includes the application 108 determining ifthe destination was entered. If the destination was entered, a processstep 182 or a process step 184 occurs. The process step 182 includes thedestination location being entered with three words or a three wordstring. The process step 184 includes the GPS being used for thelocation. If the destination was not entered, a process step 186 followsthe process step 180 and includes sending the request via an AV specificAPI. The process step 186 follows the process step 182 or the processstep 184.

Next, a process step 188 follows the process step 186 and includesgiving the AV 114 location status via text, voice, etc. A process step190 follows the process step 188 and determines if the AV 114 hasarrived. If a YES response follows the process step 190, a process step194 occurs, where the method proceeds to the UWB technology flowdiscussed herein. If a NO response follows the process step 190, aprocess step 192 occurs, which involves the application 108 resolvingtime/distance-based delays. A process step 196 follows the process step194 to end the method of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 3 includes numerous commands/process steps executed by theapplication 108 after the arrival of the AV 114. The application 108 mayaccess or engage the database 118 to execute one or more process stepsof FIG. 3 . The method of FIG. 3 begins at a process step 116. A processstep 120 follows the process step 116 and includes the application 108configuring the AV 114 with user specific preferences. Such userspecific preferences include, but are not limited to: environmentalcontrols of the AV 114, presets for a radio in the AV 114, a volume ofthe radio in the AV 114, an opened or a closed status of one or morewindows of the AV 114, an opened or a closed status of a sunroof of theAV 114, and an adjustment of one or more seats in the AV 114.

A process step 122 follows the process step 120 and includes theapplication 108 unlocking/locking one or more doors of the AV 114 basedon the user-specific preferences. A process step 124 follows the processstep 122 and includes the application 108 setting environmental controlsof the AV 114 based on the user preferences. A process step 126 followsthe process step 124 and includes the application 108 setting radiopresets in the AV 114 based on the user preferences.

A process step 128 follows the process step 126 and includes theapplication 108 setting a volume of the radio in the AV 114 based on theuser preferences. A process step 130 follows the process step 128 andincludes the application 108 opening or closing one or more windows ofthe AV 114 based on the user preferences. A process step 132 follows theprocess step 130 and includes the application 108 opening or closing thesunroof (if any) the AV 114 based on the user preferences. A processstep 134 follows the process step 132 and includes the application 108adjusting one or more seats of the AV 114 based on the user preferences.

A process step 136 follows the process step 134 and includes theapplication 108 querying the user 102 regarding a confirmation honk forthe AV 114. If a YES response follows the process step 136, a processstep 138 occurs where the application 108 executes the confirmationhonk. If a NO response follows the process step 136, the application 108queries the user 102 as to whether the user 102 wants one or more doorsof the AV 114 unlocked. If a YES response follows the process step 140,the application 108 sends an unlock command to unlock the one or moredoors of the AV 114. If a NO response follows the process step 140, aprocess step 144 occurs, where the application 108 determines if theuser 102 is ready to depart.

If a YES response follows the process step 144, a process step 146occurs where the application 108 sends a depart command to the AV 114. Aprocess step 148 follows the process step 146 and includes theapplication 108 providing a universal AV control interface.

A process step 150 follows the process step 148 and includes theapplication 108 providing audio/text location updates to the user 102. Aprocess step 152 follows the process step 150 and includes theapplication 108 determining if the AV 114 has arrived. If a YES responsefollows the process step 152, a process step 154 occurs, where theapplication 108 announces the arrival of the AV 144. If a NO responsefollows the process step 152, a process step 156 occurs, where theapplication 108 configures the time/location delay. If a NO response orno response follows the process step 154, the application 108 configuresa time delay at a process step 158.

A process step 160 follows the process step 154 and includes theapplication 108 determining if the one or more doors of the AV 114should be unlocked. If a YES response follows the process step 160, theapplication 108 sends an unlock command to unlock the one or more doorsof the AV 114. A process step 164 follows the process step 162 andincludes the application 108 switching to an outdoor navigation mode. Aprocess step 166 follows the process step 164 to conclude the method ofFIG. 3 .

Further, the challenge of locating the AV 114 is presented due to theinaccuracies of global positioning system (or GPS), which is the mainnavigation tool for the visually impaired community. Though the AV 114will know it's accurate position, the GPS may only get the user 102within approximately 50 to 100 feet of the location. The presentinvention seeks to close this gap. To do this, the system of the presentinvention provides a low power UWB anchor on the AV 114 and the user 102may carry a small UWB tag. It should be appreciated that the UWB tag maybe an external device or may be the built-in UWB of the computing device106 (e.g., the smartphone).

Though this implementation is described, it should be appreciated thatin all usage scenarios described herein, the UWB anchor and the UWB tagmay be present on either end of the process and may be usedinterchangeably. Moreover, it should be appreciated that each of the UWBanchor and the UWB tag may have Bluetooth capabilities, along with theUWB capabilities described herein. In some examples, the UWB tag may beon the vehicle (e.g., the AV 114) and the UWB anchor may be associatedwith the user 102. In other examples, the UWB tag may be associated withthe user 102 and the UWB anchor may be on the vehicle (e.g., the AV114). Further, each of the UWB anchor and the UWB tag may haverechargeable batteries and circuitry to support recharging. Further, itshould be appreciated that in some implementations, power saving methodswill be implemented such as UWB only being enabled when commandedthrough a Bluetooth (BLE) command.

The UWB anchor may be powered by a battery of the AV 114 and may bedesigned to mount in a waterproof housing on a window of the AV 114 ormay be incorporated into the AV's 114 current technology housing. Thiscan be done as an original piece of equipment or an add-on. Power may beprovided by a 12 v or 5 v USB. In other examples, the power may beprovided through other sources not explicitly listed herein, such asUSB, PoE, or any other sufficient power source known to those havingordinary skill in the art.

The UWB tag communicates with the user's application 108 on thecomputing device 106 (e.g., smartphone) via Bluetooth, or maycommunicate directly through the computing devices 106 built-in UWBfunctionality, and may allow the user 102 to determine the exactdistance to the AV 114 down to about a 10-centimeter accuracy (as shownin FIG. 5 ). Specifically, the UWB technology measures the distancebetween two UWB devices by using two-way communications between the UWBanchor on the AV 114 and UWB tag the user 102 is carrying. The UWB tagmeasures the time of flight of the RF signal between itself and theanchor. The roundtrip time of the signal is multiplied by the speed oflight and divided by two to get a distance between the two devices.

On the user 102 side, the UWB tag may fit in different housings so theuser 102 can attach them to a cane, their phone, or wear them on alanyard, or can be built into the computing device 106 (e.g., thesmartphone). As described herein, the UWB tag and the UWB anchor areinterchangeable. The UWB tag has a rechargeable battery and will onlyemit a signal when movement is detected to increase battery life.Additionally, the UWB tag will communicate with the user's computingdevice 106 over Bluetooth or another similar means. Specifically, theUWB tag will send the distance to the UWB anchor located on the AV 114to the application 108.

In some implementations, the system can be private with only thelocation data appearing on the user's computing device 106, or the datacan be sent to the cloud in case the AV 114 needs to move closer to theuser 102. Once the user 102 approaches the AV 114 as detected by theaccurate distance calculated by the UWB anchors, the AV 114 can unlockthe proper door and configure all environmental controls to the user'spreferences if not previously done.

In other embodiments, the user 102 may not wish to purchase or carry theUWB tag. In these instances, the user 102 may utilize Bluetooth or thebuilt-in UWB functionality on their computing device 106 to detect thesame UWB anchor transmitting a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal or theUWB signal on the AV 114. As described herein, “BLE” is a wirelesspersonal area network technology aimed at applications in thehealthcare, fitness, anchors, security, and home entertainmentindustries. When compared to classic Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy isintended to provide considerably reduced power consumption and costwhile maintaining a similar communication range. Mobile operatingsystems including iOS, Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry, as well asmacOS, Linux, Windows 8 and Windows 10, natively support Bluetooth LowEnergy. Once the user 102 is within a few feet of the AV 114, a signalmay be sent to unlock the door of the AV 114 on the sidewalk side of theAV 114 (e.g., depending on API access to the AV 114).

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of application commands/processes usingthe UWB technology. A method of FIG. 4 begins at a process step 198. Aprocess step 200 follows the process step 198 and includes determiningif the AV 114 has arrived. If a YES response follows the process step200, a process step 202 occurs, where the AV 114 UWB anchor transmissionbegins. A process step 204 follows the process step 202 where the user102 is notified via the application 108. A process step 206 follows theprocess step 204 and includes beginning the two-way ranging/anglecalculations using the UWB technology between the UWB anchor on the AV114 and the UWB tag of the user 102. As described, the UWB anchor andthe UWB tag may be present on either end of the process and may be usedinterchangeably.

A process step 208 follows the process step 206, where it is determinedif there is valid data. If a YES response follows the process step 208,a process step 210 occurs where it is determined if the accessibilitymode is on. If a NO response follows the process step 210, a processstep 212 occurs, where the present distance and direction is depicted onthe screen. If a YES response follows the process step 210, a processstep 214 occurs, where the distance and direction is announced. Aprocess step 216 follow the process step 214 where it is determined ifthe user 102 is walking in the correct direction.

If a NO response follows the process step 216, a process step 218occurs, where a tone/voice notification announces that the user 102 isoff course so that the user 102 may correct their path. If a YESresponse follows the process step 216, a process step 220 occurs whereit is determined if the user 102 is at the AV 114. If a NO responsefollows the process step 220, a process step 226 occurs, where it isdetermined that there is a configurable time delay. If a YES responsefollows the process step 220, a process step 222 occurs where theapplication 108 switches to a vehicle control mode. A process step 224follows the process step 222 to end the method of FIG. 4 .

Though UWB technology is helpful when the user 102 is withinapproximately 300 feet of the AV 114, having the AV 114 arrive or dropoff the user 102 at an exact location is important in simplifying theability to find the AV 114. When the user 102 orders a car fromUber/Lyft/taxi, the user 102 provides an address. An address is helpfulif the user 102 resides in a single-family home where the addressapproximates the location of the front door, but if the user 102 livesin a big multi-tenant building, is at an arena, or is at a building withmultiple entrances, specifying a particular pickup or drop-off locationcan vary greatly in accuracy. For those living with low vision,blindness, or deaf blindness, being dropped off around the corner ordown the road from ones buildings entrance can cause undue stress andhardship.

To address these concerns, the present invention provides a simplemethod of commanding the AV 114 exactly where to drop off or pick up theuser 102. The method utilizes a technology that divides the world into10 foot×10 foot square areas and gives each square a unique combinationof three words or a three word string to give a precise location for theuser 102 to be picked up or dropped off. In some examples, this solutionintegrates What3Words technology to achieve this, as shown in FIG. 6 .Through the application 108, the user 102 can select their pickup pointand destination point using the unique three word combination or a threeword string that identifies their exact location.

As an illustrative example of this, Person A is meeting Person B atConstitution Gardens Pond near the World War II Memorial in Washington,D.C. To communicate the precise location where the AV 114 drops offPerson A, Person A may say “Let's meet at doctor.placed.empty.” Thesethree words are then entered into the application 108 of the computingdevice 106 as a destination and the AV 114 may pick the user 102 up ordrop the user 102 off at that precise location.

Further, this method provides a safety feature, as the application 108is always capable of telling the user 102 their current location,physical addresses close to the current location of the user 102, or theclosest intersection for the user 102. If the user 102 needs to call foremergency help, the user 102 can tell the emergency personnel threewords of their exact location or may utilize the application 108 totranslate these three words into a precise GPS coordinate.

A method executed using the system of the present invention is depictedin FIG. 7 and includes numerous process steps. For example, the methodof FIG. 7 begins at a process step 228 that includes the application 108of the computing device 106 receiving a selection of a destination.During this process step, the user's approximate location is determinedby GPS, or the user 102 can enter an exact location via a three wordstring as a starting point. The user 102 is also capable of searchingfor and selecting the destination location and completing the workflowof summoning the AV 114. The user 102 can choose a destination byaddress, by a name of the location, or by the exact three word location.

The process step 228 is followed by a process step 230 that includes theapplication 108 receiving, from the AV 114 comprising the UWB anchor, aunique three word string associated with a precise location of the AV114 or GPS coordinates. The UWB anchor and the UWB tag areinterchangeable. A process step 232 follows the process step 230 andincludes the application 108 translating the three word stringassociated with the location into walking directions for the user 102 toarrive at the location of the AV 114. The user 102 may also have a UWBtag.

A process step 234 follows the process step 232 and includes detectingthe user 102 as being proximate the AV 114 in response to the UWB tagcommunicating with the UWB anchor. A process step 236 follows theprocess step 234 and includes receiving, at the application 108, anotification regarding a distance between the user 102 and the AV 114.

A process step 238 follows the process step 236 and includes theapplication 108 providing the user 102 with an ability to unlock one ormore doors of the AV 114. It should be appreciated that a safety featureis included in this system where only the particular user 102 whoengaged the AV 114 will be granted the ability to unlock the one or moredoors of the AV 114. A process step 240 follows the process step 238 andincludes the application 108 receiving a response from the user 102regarding the one or more doors of the AV 114 to be unlocked. Thiscommand is executed to unlock the selected one or more doors of the AV114.

A process step 242 follows the process step 240 and includes theapplication 108 receiving a ready command from the user 102. A processstep 244 follows the process step 242 and includes the application 108transmitting a message to the AV 114 to begin transport if the user 102is fastened via seat belt and if the doors of the AV 114 are closed. Ifthere is an error, such as one or more seat belts not being fastened orone or more doors of the AV 114 being ajar, the error is communicated tothe user 102 via a notification on the application 108. Once this erroris remedied, the transportation begins.

A process step 246 follows the process step 244 and includes theapplication 108 providing route alerts to the user 102 duringtransportation from the location to the destination. Such route alertsinclude directional, distance, and/or location information. As can becustomized in the computing device 106 settings, these updates can betemporary (e.g., set to disappear after a given timeframe), text-based(so magnification, screen reader, and braille display users can accessthem), and/or can include haptic feedback.

Illustrative examples of the route alerts include the following:“Approaching Broadway and 3rd Street. 1.5 miles until turning left onGrant Road.”; “Approaching the Broadway and Grant Road intersection.Turning left and heading north for 2 miles. The destination will be onthe right.”; “0.5 miles to destination on the right, United MedicalCenter”; and “You have arrived at United Medical Center. Please exit thevehicle to the right where you will find the sidewalk.”

A process step 248 follows the process step 246 and includes the AV 114arriving at the destination. The process step 248 concludes the methodof FIG. 7 .

It should be appreciated that all alerts from the application 108 areaccessible to the user 102 by screen reader, active braille display, andfeature various notification styles, including text-based and hapticfeedback. Moreover, if for any reason the AV 114 is in an auto accidentwith the user 102 onboard, the user 102 is notified through theapplication 108 of the emergency, is provided an estimated postaladdress location of the AV 114, is provided the precise three wordlocation of the AV 114, and is provided a means or a button to notifyemergency assistance immediately.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the user 102 (e.g., a visually impaired, elderly,deaf, blind, and/or cognitively impaired user) may wear or carry (in anyfashion) a UWB anchor or tag 250. The UWB anchor or tag 250 communicateswith the user's application 108 on the computing device 106 (e.g.,smartphone) via Bluetooth and can communicate with other UWB anchors ortags. In some examples, the user 102 may carry a UWB-enabled smartphoneinstead of utilizing an external UWB anchor or tag. As explained, thoughnumerous examples describe use of the system with AVs, it should beappreciated that this system described herein may be used with rideshareservices, personal vehicles, subways, buses, trains, indoor navigation,outdoor navigation, etc. FIG. 9 shows an outdoor use of the presentinvention at a bus terminal and FIG. 10 shows an indoor use of thepresent invention at a museum.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the UWB anchor or tag 250 worn by the user 102communicates with the user's application 108 on the computing device 106(e.g., smartphone) via Bluetooth and communicates with one or more otherUWB anchors or tags (e.g., a UWB anchor or tag 254 located on stationarysignage 258 at a bus terminal and/or a UWB anchor or tag 252 located ona moving vehicle 256, such as a bus). In other examples, the UWB anchoror tag 250 is built into the user's computing device 106 instead ofbeing worn by the user 102 and is configured to communicate with the oneor more other UWB anchors or tags (e.g., the UWB anchor or tag 254and/or the UWB anchor or tag 252).

FIG. 12 depicts a schematic diagram of an illustrative outdoornavigation use example of the present invention at a trafficintersection. In this scenario, a first traffic light pole 382A islocated on a first street 386 and a second traffic light pole 382B islocated on a second street 388. The first street 386 is separated by twolanes of traffic from the second street 388. Vehicles 390 are depictedtraveling on the two lanes of traffic. An intersection 384 is locatedbetween the first street 386 and the second street 388. Moreover, theUWB anchor or tag (not shown) worn by the user 102 communicates with theuser's application 108 on the computing device 106 (e.g., thesmartphone) via Bluetooth and communicates with one or more other UWBanchors or tags (e.g., a first UWB anchor or tag 254A located on thefirst traffic light pole 382A and/or a second UWB anchor or tag 254Blocated on the second traffic light pole 382B). In other examples, theUWB anchor or tag (not shown) is built into the user's computing device106 instead of being worn by the user 102 and is configured tocommunicate with the one or more other UWB anchors or tags (e.g., thefirst UWB anchor or tag 254A and/or the second UWB anchor or tag 254B).It can be appreciated that there may be multiple traffic poles in agiven intersection each equipped with its UWB anchors or tags.

As discussed herein, the present invention focuses on the visuallyimpaired, the elderly, the deaf, the blind, and the cognitively impairedand is designed to be vehicle agnostic. The design can be easilyincorporated as a piece of original equipment or an add-on to anyvehicle that allows third-party control of destination, safety, andenvironmental controls.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the UWB anchor or tag 250 worn by the user 102communicates with the user's application 108 on the computing device 106(e.g., the smartphone) via Bluetooth and communicates with one or moreother UWB anchors or tags (e.g., one or more UWB anchors or tags 254located inside at a museum). In other examples, the user 102 canalternatively use the built-in UWB functionality of the computing device106 (e.g., the smartphone).

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a computing device included within thesystem of FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. In some embodiments, the present invention may be a computersystem, a method, and/or the computing device 106 (of FIG. 1 ) or thecomputing device 322 (of FIG. 11 ). A basic configuration 332 of acomputing device 322 is illustrated in FIG. 11 by those componentswithin the inner dashed line. In the basic configuration 332 of thecomputing device 322, the computing device 322 includes a processor 334and a system memory 324. In some examples, the computing device 322 mayinclude one or more processors and the system memory 324. A memory bus344 is used for communicating between the one or more processors 334 andthe system memory 324.

Depending on the desired configuration, the processor 334 may be of anytype, including, but not limited to, a microprocessor (μP), amicrocontroller (μC), and a digital signal processor (DSP), or anycombination thereof. Further, the processor 334 may include one morelevels of caching, such as a level cache memory 336, a processor core338, and registers 340, among other examples. The processor core 338 mayinclude an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a floating point unit (FPU),and/or a digital signal processing core (DSP Core), or any combinationthereof. A memory controller 342 may be used with the processor 334, or,in some implementations, the memory controller 342 may be an internalpart of the memory controller 342.

Depending on the desired configuration, the system memory 324 may be ofany type, including, but not limited to, volatile memory (such as RAM),and/or non-volatile memory (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.), or anycombination thereof. The system memory 324 includes an operating system326, one or more applications, such as the application 108, and programdata 330. In some embodiments, the application 108 may be an engine, asoftware program, a service, or a software platform, as described infra.The system memory 324 may also include a storage engine 328 that maystore any information disclosed herein.

Moreover, the computing device 322 may have additional features orfunctionality, and additional interfaces to facilitate communicationsbetween the basic configuration 332 and any desired devices andinterfaces. For example, a bus/interface controller 348 is used tofacilitate communications between the basic configuration 332 and datastorage devices 346 via a storage interface bus 350. The data storagedevices 346 may be one or more removable storage devices 352, one ormore non-removable storage devices 354, or a combination thereof.Examples of the one or more removable storage devices 352 and the one ormore non-removable storage devices 354 include magnetic disk devices(such as flexible disk drives and hard-disk drives (HDD)), optical diskdrives (such as compact disk (CD) drives or digital versatile disk (DVD)drives), solid state drives (SSD), and tape drives, among others.

In some embodiments, an interface bus 356 facilitates communication fromvarious interface devices (e.g., one or more output devices 380, one ormore peripheral interfaces 372, and one or more communication devices364) to the basic configuration 332 via the bus/interface controller356. Some of the one or more output devices 380 include a graphicsprocessing unit 378 and an audio processing unit 376, which areconfigured to communicate to various external devices, such as a displayor speakers, via one or more A/V ports 374.

The one or more peripheral interfaces 372 may include a serial interfacecontroller 370 or a parallel interface controller 366, which areconfigured to communicate with external devices, such as input devices(e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a voice input device, or a touchinput device, etc.) or other peripheral devices (e.g., a printer or ascanner, etc.) via one or more I/O ports 368.

Further, the one or more communication devices 364 may include a networkcontroller 358, which is arranged to facilitate communication with oneor more other computing devices 362 over a network communication linkvia one or more communication ports 360. The one or more other computingdevices 362 include servers, the database, mobile devices, andcomparable devices.

The network communication link is an example of a communication media.The communication media are typically embodied by the computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in amodulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transportmechanism, and include any information delivery media. A “modulated datasignal” is a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By wayof example, and not limitation, the communication media may includewired media (such as a wired network or direct-wired connection) andwireless media (such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), microwave,infrared (IR), and other wireless media). The term “computer-readablemedia,” as used herein, includes both storage media and communicationmedia.

It should be appreciated that the system memory 324, the one or moreremovable storage devices 352, and the one or more non-removable storagedevices 354 are examples of the computer-readable storage media. Thecomputer-readable storage media is a tangible device that can retain andstore instructions (e.g., program code) for use by an instructionexecution device (e.g., the computing device 322). Any such, computerstorage media is part of the computing device 322.

The computer readable storage media/medium can be a tangible device thatcan retain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage media/medium may be, for example,but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storagedevice, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device,and/or a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage media/medium includes the following: aportable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, and/or a mechanically encoded device(such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove havinginstructions recorded thereon), and any suitable combination of theforegoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not tobe construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves orother freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic wavespropagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., lightpulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signalstransmitted through a wire.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein regardingillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, computer systems, andcomputing devices according to embodiments of the invention. It will beunderstood that each block in the block diagrams, and combinations ofthe blocks, can be implemented by the computer-readable instructions(e.g., the program code).

The computer-readable instructions are provided to the processor 334 ofa general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus (e.g., the computing device 322)to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor 334 of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe block diagram blocks. These computer-readable instructions are alsostored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer,a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices tofunction in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storagemedium having instructions stored therein comprises an article ofmanufacture including instructions, which implement aspects of thefunctions/acts specified in the block diagram blocks.

The computer-readable instructions (e.g., the program code) are alsoloaded onto a computer (e.g. the computing device 322), anotherprogrammable data processing apparatus, or another device to cause aseries of operational steps to be performed on the computer, the otherprogrammable apparatus, or the other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on thecomputer, the other programmable apparatus, or the other device,implement the functions/acts specified in the block diagram blocks.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can also bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network (e.g., the Internet, a local area network, a widearea network, and/or a wireless network). The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, oreither source code or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The computer readable program instructions may executeentirely on the user's computer/computing device, partly on the user'scomputer/computing device, as a stand-alone software package, partly onthe user's computer/computing device and partly on a remotecomputer/computing device or entirely on the remote computer or server.In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to theuser's computer through any type of network, including a local areanetwork (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may bemade to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using anInternet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitryincluding, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmablegate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute thecomputer readable program instructions by utilizing state information ofthe computer readable program instructions to personalize the electroniccircuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toblock diagrams of methods, computer systems, and computing devicesaccording to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood thateach block and combinations of blocks in the diagrams, can beimplemented by the computer readable program instructions.

The block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture,functionality, and operation of possible implementations of computersystems, methods, and computing devices according to various embodimentsof the present invention. In this regard, each block in the blockdiagrams may represent a module, a segment, or a portion of executableinstructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In somealternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occurout of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown insuccession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block andcombinations of blocks can be implemented by special purposehardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts orcarry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers or ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodimentsthereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean thatthere are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective“another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one ormore elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to beinclusive such that there may be additional elements other than thelisted elements.

Although this invention has been described with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure hasbeen made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in thedetails of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted towithout departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method executed by an application of acomputing device to increase an ability of a person with a visual, ahearing, a mobility and/or a cognitive disability to orient, locate, andtravel within an environment, the method comprising: receiving selectionof a destination; receiving, from a vehicle comprising an anchor, globalpositioning system (GPS) coordinates, a three word string associatedwith a location of the vehicle; translating the GPS coordinates and thethree word string associated with the location into walking directionsfor a user of the computing device to arrive at the location of thevehicle, wherein the user has a tag; in response to determining that theuser is proximate the vehicle by communication between the tag and theanchor, receiving a notification regarding at least one of a directionand a distance between the user and the vehicle; and providing the userwith an ability to unlock doors of the vehicle; in response to receivinga response from the user regarding one or more doors of the vehicle tobe unlocked, unlocking the one or more doors of the vehicle; in responseto receiving a ready command from the user, transmitting a message tothe vehicle to begin transport if the user is fastened via seat belt andif the doors are closed; providing route alerts to the user duringtransportation from the location to the destination; and arriving at thedestination.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the route alerts comprisedirectional, distance, and location information.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein the route alerts are temporary alerts, are text-based alertsand/or include haptic feedback.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein theanchor is mounted in a waterproof housing on a window of the vehicle oris incorporated into a technology housing of the vehicle.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein, during route, the application allows the user tochange the destination of the vehicle to another destination and/orsummon emergency services.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:configuring the vehicle with preferences for the user.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the preferences are selected from the group consistingof: environmental controls of the vehicle, presets for a radio in thevehicle, a volume of the radio in the vehicle, an opened or a closedstatus for one or more windows of the vehicle, an opened or a closedstatus for a sunroof of the vehicle, and an adjustment of one or moreseats in the vehicle.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the anchorcomprises an ultra-wideband (UWB) anchor, and wherein the tag comprisesa UWB tag.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the anchor comprises anultra-wideband (UWB) anchor, and wherein the tag comprises Bluetooth onthe computing device.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the tagutilizes a built-in ultra-wideband (UWB) technology of the computingdevice to communicate with the anchor.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein the tag is an external device configured to communicate overBluetooth to the computing device.
 12. The method of claim 1, whereinthe tag and the anchor are interchangeable.
 13. The method of claim 1,further comprising: determining if the vehicle is in an accident priorto reaching the destination; notifying the user of the emergency;providing the user with an estimated address of the vehicle; andproviding the user with a means to call emergency personnel to respondto the emergency.
 14. A system configured to increase an ability of aperson with a visual, a hearing, a mobility and/or a cognitivedisability to orient, locate, and travel within an environment, thesystem comprising: an application executable on a computing device,wherein the application allows an autonomous vehicle (AV) to beconfigured with preferences of the user; the AV; a vehicle control API;and a translation module configured to communicate with the AV throughthe vehicle control API, wherein the translation module resides in acloud or resides onboard the AV through a microcontroller-based module.15. The system of claim 14, wherein the preferences of the user areselected from the group consisting of: environmental controls of the AV,radio presents in the AV, a volume of the radio in the AV, an open orclosed status of one or more windows of the AV, an open or closed statusof a sunroof of the AV, and an adjustment of one or more seats in theAV.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the translation module allowsfor loading custom firmware that contains a translation for a specificvehicle type of the AV.
 17. A system configured to increase an abilityof a person with a visual, a hearing, a mobility and/or a cognitivedisability to orient, locate, and travel within an environment, thesystem comprising: an application executable on a computing device; afirst set of ultra-wideband (UWB) anchors or tags located in anenvironment; and a second set of UWB anchors or tags wearable orcarriable by a user, the second set of UWB anchors or tags beingconfigured to: communicate with the application via Bluetooth; andcommunicate with the first set of the UWB anchors or tags located in theenvironment.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein each of the first setof the UWB anchors or tags or the second set of UWB anchors or tags isan external device.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein each of thefirst set of the UWB anchors or tags or the second set of UWB anchors ortags is a UWB capable smartphone.
 20. The system of claim 19, whereineach of the second set of UWB anchors or tags is the UWB capablesmartphone, and wherein each of the second set of UWB anchors or tags isfurther configured to communicate a direction with the application.